Saudi Arabia and France stress negotiated solution regarding Iran
Paris – Agencies: Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the necessity of reaching a negotiated settlement regarding Iran. The two leaders affirmed their commitment to diplomatic solutions that ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, according to a statement issued today following the Crown Prince’s visit to Paris. The visit underscores Riyadh’s determination to strengthen its strategic partnership with all major and influential international powers and parties, while maintaining balanced relations with them, in a manner that serves the Kingdom’s national interests and enhances its leadership role in the Middle East and the world.
The Franco-Saudi statement, issued after the two countries signed a package of agreements, highlighted the ambition of Riyadh and Paris to deepen their strategic partnership, as well as their efforts to promote political and diplomatic solutions to conflicts.
In a related development, the joint statement, released on the second day of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Paris and following his meeting with President Macron at the Élysée Palace, called on Iran to resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The statement condemned attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and threats to maritime navigation, while reiterating the need to restore normal navigation in the strait.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Macron also welcomed the agreement on the disarmament of Hamas and called for its implementation. They emphasized the importance of de-escalation to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and called for an end to Israeli settlement policies.
Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Élysée Palace, where they held bilateral talks. This was followed by the signing of agreements between French and Saudi entities.
The joint statement at the conclusion of the visit announced that the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and emerging technologies, alongside capacity building and the establishment of a dedicated financial framework to support projects implemented by French companies in Saudi Arabia. They also affirmed the importance of cooperation in Al-Ula, particularly in the areas of archaeology, heritage, and culture, as well as enhancing collaboration in the sectors of youth, sports, and culture.
The visit saw the signing of 21 agreements and memoranda of understanding across various sectors, including defense, health, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and entertainment, reflecting the broadening scope of the partnership between the two countries.
Economically, both sides welcomed the outcomes of the Saudi-French Investment Roundtable, which discussed cooperation opportunities in the energy, industry, financial services, transport, logistics, health, culture, tourism, and artificial intelligence sectors.
